3 reasons to visit Montelupo Fiorentino

The production of maiolica (tin-glazed pottery) in Montelupo Fiorentino began in the second half of the 13th century, inspired by art of the Iberian area (the term maiolica derives from the port of Majorca). Montelupo remains one of the major Italian ceramic centres, dedicated to the production of raw materials and artistic maiolica for export. Local artisans have been working with great skill for years, paying attention to the smallest details to ensure the creation of high-quality products.

These artisans are part of the Montelupo Ceramics Route, a network which was created to raise awareness about the history of this traditional product. The route also extends to some portions of the neighbouring communities of Capraia e Limite, Lastra a Signa and Montespertoli.

The Ceramics Route connects the Montelupo Ceramics Museum, the ceramics manufacturers, the ceramics school and the associations that work to keep the tradition alive.

The gardens of the villa Medicea dell’Ambrogiana are a stone's throw from the main street of Montelupo Fiorentino. Built on the foundations of an existing building, the villa was built by Ferdinando I in 1587, probably based on a design by Bernardo Buontalenti. Located at the convergence of the Pesa with the Arno, it was once the hunting lodge of the Grand Dukes.

In the nineteenth century, Grand Duke Leopold II assigned it as a nursing home for people with mental illnesses. It then became a prison for women and juveniles before being converted into a Judicial Psychiatric Hospital in 1886. The former OPG building is no longer open to the public, but the villa is worth a visit just to admire the exterior.

Other than ceramics, the Montelupo Fiorentino area also produces exceptional food and wine, which can be enjoyed in restaurants, agritourism and local farms.

One of Montelupo’s specialities is Pan Bistugio, a traditional dessert prepared using two different cooking methods: one for the dough and one for the crust. A great favourite among children, it is prepared with simple ingredients: flour, lemon peel from the gardens of the Medici Villa dell'Ambrogiana, local pine nuts, almonds, natural yeast, egg yolks and milk. Best enjoyed with a glass of Chianti wine.